WinStar Farm said Dec. 23 it has promoted David Hanley to general manager at the Versailles, Ky., operation.

Prior to his promotion, Hanley served at WinStar as the director of development, working in the areas of client development and bloodstock development.

"David has been with us for over a year now, and his horsemanship is the best in the business," WinStar president and chief executive officer Elliott Walden said. "Anytime there is change, there is opportunity. Having done everything from training grade I winners, to pinhooking $900,000 yearlings, and many other successes in different facets of the Thoroughbred business, I am confident David is the right fit for the job. He has been an integral part of our team, and we hope he'll continue to be for years to come."

A native of Ireland, Hanley has more than 30 years of experience in the Thoroughbred industry, both in Europe and North America. Hanley served as private trainer for Whitechurch Stud, and also as a public trainer, breeder, and pinhooker.

In 2001 Hanley and his family moved to Lexington to expand his bloodstock interests. He has had a hand in breeding, buying, or pinhooking such top American-based horses as grade I winners Pool Play, Forest Secrets, and Ultimate Eagle, as well as many other graded-stakes winners.

"I am honored by the faith and trust put in me by Kenny (Troutt) and Elliott (Walden), and I relish the opportunity and new set of challenges ahead," Hanley said in a release. "The staff at WinStar is second to none, and I look forward to continuing to work with our team to keep WinStar an industry leader."